Tension spread across Oke Ijebu in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State after gunmen stormed a health centre in the early hours of Saturday, abducting staff and carting away valuables.

The attack, which occurred around 2 a.m., involved three armed men who reportedly scaled the facility’s fence before gaining access. According to the police spokesperson, Abayomi Jimoh, the suspects were armed with a pump-action rifle and cutlasses and targeted personnel on duty, dispossessing them of items including phones and a POS machine.

The attackers were said to have arrived in an unregistered vehicle, indicating that the operation was pre-planned. The victims were later taken towards the Olokuta axis along Ondo Road before being abandoned in a bush, where they eventually found help.

The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, has since ordered a full investigation into the incident, with tactical teams deployed to track down those responsible.

Meanwhile, the state security outfit, Ondo State Security Network Agency, confirmed that the abducted health workers were rescued. Its commander, Adetunji Adeleye, also revealed that additional victims kidnapped in a separate incident were freed.

Security agencies have condemned the attack and assured residents that measures have been strengthened, including increased patrols and collaboration with local vigilantes, to prevent a recurrence.